John Cyrie Kastel, Jr., age 84, of rural Deerfield, died at his home on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, while under the care of Elara Caring Hospice. He was born April 16, 1941, in Deerfield, the second of five children from the union of John and Frances (Rogers) Kastel, Sr.
John attended Deerfield High School and was a lifelong area resident. He married the love of his life, Monica Marie DeCocker on June 15, 1963, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Deerfield. Together they raised a son and a daughter and recently celebrated 62 years of happy marriage.
He proudly farmed throughout his entire adulthood and also worked for Ford Motor Company at their Saline plant where he formally retired. Always working, in the winter months John would sell horse equipment, and for over 40 years sold produce at area weekend farmers markets, most recently near Adrian at the corner of US 223 and Treat Hwy.
John was a lovable and friendly man, with an admirable work ethic and a deep love of family. He enjoyed his horses, woodworking, and attending area farm auctions. Inheriting the family cabin in Gladwin near Wiggins Lake, John recently fulfilled his lifelong dream of building a new, more modern summer home for his family to enjoy.
Surviving in addition to his wife, Monica, is his daughter, Angela Mallory of Palmyra; a sister, Linda Warner of Deerfield; two brothers, Larry (Karen) Kastel of Blissfield and Darrell Kastel of Deerfield; and a daughter-in-law, Dana Kastel of Prattville, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Chris Kastel; sister, Sharon (Jerry) Duval; brother-in-law, Dick Warner; and son-in-law, Keith Mallory.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation will take place, and no public services will be held. Inurnment will take place at a later date in the Prattville Cemetery.
Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Marry Funeral Home, Blissfield.